With Halloween fast approaching, we need to be wary of who is in costume for costume sake and scared of those in costume for criminal motives.

Clowns are both terrifying and funny depending on who you ask. This makes them the perfect Halloween costume for those who want to be both at the same time. However, the recent news stories may cause a decline in the sale of such costumes, and I am okay with that.

As far as I can remember, I have never liked clowns. I saw the move It at a young age, and where I grew up, it seemed like clowns were more for scare than for fun. To be short, clowns terrify me, and the recent clown attacks make me much more aware and concerned about their existence than I always was. This is even more true now that Halloween is a month away.

Why are clowns even used as a symbol for child entertainment and happiness? Parents and/or party hosts are subjecting children to someone in a mask, makeup, or who obviously do not look like a typical human, because they think it will amuse their children. When I was a child, I was easily scared. Someone who didn't look like someone I knew was automatically a Stranger Danger alert in my head, and I would instinctively scurry the other way. I even do it now to a certain degree. If I don't recognize someone, I keep my mind on alert just in case they have cruel motives as to why they're around me.

These recent attacks/attempted kidnappings on young adults, homes, and children are alarming to say the least. Children who are taught that clowns mean fun and happiness are lured into a false sense of security whenever one of these creepy individuals shows up. They want to go play. Those of us old enough to understand that not all people are there to help know better, but what if you're all alone and scared? What if that child is all alone and scared? It only takes a moment for something to go wrong and for someone to get hurt or disappear.

How do we keep our friends, family, and children safe this Halloween season?

We spread awareness, and we re-instill the Stranger Danger mentality.

With all of the clowns being spotted in many areas of the country, what are the police doing to make sure that their communities are staying safe? While they can't actually do much unless someone reports a sighting, everyone needs to remember that if they see a clown anywhere where a clown shouldn't be, they can call for help and to report what they have seen. Awareness and coverage on clown sightings can make more individuals aware that these creepers are a legitimate threat. Some people still do not believe that these scares are real.

Now, as mentioned before, I am scared of clowns. There is no way I would ever have one at a children's party, and the circus isn't my favorite place to go either. However, I know for certain that if a clown creeps up on me, I'm throwing something heavy at its face and running in the other direction while calling 9-1-1 for help as soon as possible.

With all of that being said, please, everyone stay on the look out. Everyone educate your children on what to do if you have them. While is sounds silly to do, having a safe word for your children can be a matter of life and death if these clowns are trying to steal them away. Teach everyone around you that the police can help you if you're scared and alone. Clowns are not your friend unless you know who is under the makeup.

Be careful this Halloween season, and always report suspicious and dangerous activities to the local authorities if you're scared. It's your duty to make sure you and your family are safe.